Total Pageviews

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Ontario residents
will pay more to fill up their gas tanks, heat their homes, smoke and drink
wine while most students will be able to go to college free.

The measures are in
the Liberal government’s budget that will push gasoline prices up by about 4.3
cents a liter (16 cents a U.S. gallon) on Jan. 1 and natural gas bills by
$5 a month in a “cap-and-trade” plan.

The program is described
as a “government-mandated, market-based approach to controlling
pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the
emissions of pollutants.”

The budget, projecting
a $5.7 billion deficit, will provide free tuition to university and college students
whose families have incomes of $50,000 or less. Those with up to $83,000 will
receive “non-repayable grants.”

There’s a $3
increase in taxes for a carton of 200 cigarettes and a higher mark up in wine
prices.

Hospitals
will receive $345 million in additional funding and low-income seniors will be
eligible for less expensive prescription drugs.

Sunday, February 21, 2016

The Canadian
government is restoring health care benefits to refugees, including
no-cost hospital and medical treatment, examinations and vaccinations, by April
1.

The Liberals
are reversing a controversial policy by the previous Conservative government
that withdrew the benefits to deter “bogus” refugees and save $20 million.

Immigration
Minister John McCallum said “all refugee claimants and refugees will now be
covered” as the system became “virtually unmanageable.”

There were
concerns as health benefits are being provided to the 25,000 Syrian refugees
being resettled in Canada since December.

The
Federal Court also ruled the changes were unconstitutional and ordered the
government to reinstate the benefits.

At a cost
of $11.5 million annually, the government will also provide additional coverage
to refugees coming to Canada including examinations, vaccinations, treatment of
disease outbreaks and medical support during travel.

Refugees
needing prescription drugs, vision and urgent dental care will have
coverage similar to what Canadians on social assistance receive.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau – in the week when he marked 100 days in the job – has acted on
a pledge to end Canada’s combat role in the Middle East.

As well, he plans to
increase federal spending to help the economy and will create thousands of
summer jobs for students – many of whom backed his Liberal party as first-time
voters.

With polls saying
most Canadians disagree with Trudeau’s military plan, the government will
withdraw Canada’s six CF-18 fighter jets from the U.S.-led bombing mission
against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria by Feb. 22.

Canada will instead
increase its military efforts with more special forces deployed to train Iraqi soldiers
for the next two years, Trudeau said.

Air strikes can achieve
short-term military and territorial gains, he said, adding “they do not on
their own achieve long-term stability for local communities.”

On the economy,
Trudeau said the setbacks of low oil prices can be offset with increased spending
on growth-generating projects such as the infrastructure.

He also announced funding
to create 34,000 additional summer jobs for students, who are “not just leaders
of tomorrow, but leaders today.”

Sunday, February 7, 2016

The Liberal
government is offering $1 billion in aid to Alberta as the province faces “rapid
change and significant shock” from falling oil prices, Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau said.

“Alberta and
Albertans have contributed tremendously to Canada’s growth – particularly over
the past 10 years – and our economy right across the country has benefitted,” he
added.

“Now, Alberta is
facing challenging times and quite frankly, Canadians help other Canadians when
they’re facing tough times,” Trudeau while meeting with Premier Rachel Notley
in Edmonton.

The prime minister
has committed to “fast track” $700 million in previously announced infrastructure
money to create jobs.

As well, the
government will provide up to $250 million in fiscal stabilization funds in a
program that help provinces experiencing major revenue declines.

Finance Minister
Bill Morneau said the March 29 budget will include investments in Canada’s economy
that will help other provinces hit by the oil-price slump such as Saskatchewan
and Newfoundland/Labrador.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Canadians seeking a
break from a cold winter are being advised by health authorities to “consider”
postponing travel to hot climates where the mosquito-borne Zika virus is circulating.

As well, the agency
responsible for most of Canada’s blood supply will turn away donors who have
traveled to countries where Zika is rampant.

That now takes in
more than 20 countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean and parts of
Mexico.

Most people infected
with the virus experience no symptoms, or at the most short-lived fever,
malaise, skin rash, joint pain and red eyes.

The big worry is
for pregnant women and those who plan to become pregnant as it can cause
children to be born with microcephaly, a condition that causes small heads and
underdeveloped brains.

“It is recommended
that pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their
travel plans with their health-care provider to assess their risk,” the Public
Health Agency of Canada said.

While the chance of
Zika virus getting into the blood supply is remote, it is spreading in areas
where Canadians are potentially going to be traveling, said Dr. Dana Devine of Canadian
Blood Services.

Most Canadian airlines
are allowing passengers to change or cancel bookings to affected destinations.